Collaborative to Support 48 On The Land Projects in 2021

(For Immediate Release)
 
NWT – April 12, 2021

​The outcomes of on the land programming are as numerous as they are varied, but one thing is certain: they support the health and wellbeing of communities, families, and individuals, and are vital to healthy ecosystems and economies in the North. This year, the NWT On The Land Collaborative distributed over 840,000 dollars in grants to 48 projects across the territory that connect NWT residents with land, culture, and community.
 
“During this past year of COVID-19, it has been challenging on many fronts for all NWT residents. With the support of the Collaborative funding, we have provided much needed resources to many organizations and community members of all ages to be able to spend time on the land. The Collaborative has supported wellness by providing an opportunity for all who have been following physical distancing requirements to be outdoors; to be on the land and enjoying activities which are promoting the mental wellbeing of all participants.” says Akaitcho Community Advisor, Diane Giroux.

Participants trapping muskrats during the Rites of Passage program in Akłarvik / Aklavik delivered by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, an NWT On The Land Collaborative grant recipient. Photo submitted by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Since it was founded in 2015, the Collaborative has distributed more than four and a half million dollars to 270 projects in every region of the NWT. These projects have made numerous meaningful impacts, including but not limited to:

• Revitalizing and strengthening relations between participants and the land;
• Connecting community members across generations, creating opportunities for knowledge transmission and mentorship;
• Creating diverse opportunities for community members, but especially youth, to learn land-based skills and practice their way of life;
• Fostering self-esteem, confidence, perseverance, and leadership;
• Nurturing healthy and resilient individuals, families, and communities;
• Supporting the stewardship role of Indigenous peoples in their homelands; and
• Providing communities with vital resources like traditional food and firewood.

​​“Through the funding and continued support of the NWT On The Land Collaborative, we have been able to provide over 100 campers and staff with a certified guide during the 2020 camp season. We were grateful that our long time canoe guide was able to return for another season. The canoe guide knows the area and the campers very well and through the NWT On The Land Collaborative we were able to once again head out on to the water in a safe and enjoyable manner with our guide leading the way” says Zain Ali, Director of Camp Connections, a program of the Foster Coalition of the NWT that brings youth who have been in contact with social services an opportunity to spend time on the land.

​2021 grants range between $3,700 and $40,000. The recipients are primarily Indigenous governments, schools, and non-governmental organizations. Small grant recipients include the winter camping excursion for students at Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, and youth and Elder rabbit snaring hosted by Setsi’e Frederick Daycare in Hay River. Medium-sized grants will allow NWT Métis Nation to host an on the land community culture camp, and make it possible for Mangilaluk School in Tuktuuyaqtuuq/Tuktoyaktuk to bring students dog sledding near the pingos. Large grants have been awarded to the Sahtú Renewable Resources Board for the Sahtú Youth Network canoe trip, and to support Dehcho First Nation’s community camp in the Edzéhzı́e Protected Area. In addition to financial support, funded projects may also receive equipment, training, and program support.

A participant carrying gear over a portage during Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę First Nation's Pensive Lake Loop canoe trip, an NWT On The Land Collaborative grant recipient. Photo submitted by Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę First Nation.

Quick Facts

• The NWT On The Land Collaborative was founded in 2015.
• The Collaborative is a collective of diverse organizations that supports land-based programs through funds, resources, and expertise. 2021 partners included the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Departments of Health and Social Services (HSS),  Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE), and Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI); MakeWay; NWT Recreation and Parks Association; Nature United; McConnell Foundation; Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine; The Gordon Foundation; and Royal Bank of Canada. Participating Indigenous governments include Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; Gwich’in Tribal Council; Tłı̨chǫ Government; Dehcho First Nations; NWT Métis Nation; Akaitcho Territory Government; and Sahtú Secretariat Inc.
• The Collaborative supports projects that: get people out on the land; connect community members to their land, culture, and traditions; build or strengthen partnerships; enhance community capacity; and promote sustainability.
• Five additional project applications were referred to and funded by funding partners in 2021.
• A full list of the 2021 grant recipients is available here.

 

​Media Contact
Steve Ellis
Program Lead, Northern Canada
MakeWay
Email: steve.ellis@makeway.org
Phone: 867.988.1963
 
Rachel Cluderay
On the Land Programs Consultant
NWT Recreation and Parks Association
Email: rcluderay@nwtrpa.org
Phone: 867.669.8392